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Vanadium/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures urinary vanadium relative to creatinine, which helps account for variations in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This urine test can help evaluate vanadium excretion, particularly when exposure to vanadium is suspected."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
110467-8
Short code
Vanadium/Creat Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Vanadium/Creat Msmt Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86038
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of vanadium in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is used to help account for differences in how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be ordered to assess possible exposure to vanadium, such as from certain industrial work, environmental sources, or supplements. It may also be used to follow vanadium levels over time.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The laboratory measures vanadium and creatinine and calculates the vanadium-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's or the laboratory's urine-collection instructions, including whether a first-morning or timed collection is required. Fasting is generally not necessary, but tell the care team about supplements, occupational exposures, or medicines that may contain vanadium.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urinary Vanadium/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does a high vanadium-to-creatinine ratio mean?
It may suggest that more vanadium is being excreted in the urine than expected for the urine concentration. Possible causes include occupational exposure, environmental exposure, or vanadium-containing supplements.
Is this the same as a serum vanadium test?
No. This test evaluates vanadium excretion in urine, while a serum or plasma vanadium test measures vanadium circulating in the blood.
Do I need to collect a 24-hour urine sample?
It depends on the instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. The test may be performed on a spot urine sample or a timed collection, so follow the specific collection instructions you receive.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy